In your academic writing, you'll often be required to use library databases to locate information for a project or writing assignment.  A database is a collection of sources like articles, journals, and books that have been reviewed and organized for research. Colleges and universities actually pay for our access to these databases, kind of like a subscription. That means we get to use sources that most people on the internet can’t see or use for free.  We use databases because they give us trusted, high-quality information that’s written by experts. Unlike Google, which shows anything from anyone, databases help you find sources that are more reliable and focused on academic topics. They also let you search in smarter ways, which makes it easier to find exactly what you need! Watch the video to the right from University of Houston Libraries to learn more about the difference in a database and Google. 

Before you begin searching a database, it's important to develop effective search terms to ensure you're able to navigate to the best resources with the database's search functions. Watch the video from Winona State University below to learn how to develop strong search terms from your research question.